Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
MIMAROPA REGION
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF CALAPAN CITY
PEDRO V. PANALIGAN MEMORIAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
GlyRiV:Harnessing Glycerin, Rice Bran and Vinegar for a Sustainable
Bioplastic Fertilizer
SCIENCE INVESTIGATORY PROJECT
(APPLIED SCIENCE)
Proponents:
RAM GABRIELE S. MARASIGAN
EZIKIEL FERNANDEZ
KIAN CARLO TUPAS
Coach:
CYLLIZ KAESSA M. MERILLES
Teacher III
Driven by an unwavering thrust for resilient education, we holistically develop our Kto12 LEARNERS
to equip them with the ability to LEAD and EXCEL in building the nation as a whole with
passion ,commitment and excellence.
PEDRO V. PANALIGAN MEMORIAL NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Comunal, Calapan City Tel.No: 043-288-6186 / 0969-
456-3382
Email Address: 301803 @deped.gov.ph
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page No.
TITLE PAGE----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT--------------------------------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS---------------------------------------------------------------
ABSTRACT--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTRODUCTION------------------------------------------------------------------------
METHODOLOGY-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Preparation of Sample Materials---------------------------------------
Preparation of GlyRiV Bioplastic Fertilizer---------------------------
Preparation for Testing--------------------------------------------------
Testing of GlyRiV Bioplastic Fertilizer--------------------------------
RESULTS--------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISCUSSION----------------------------------------------------------------------
CONCLUSION---------------------------------------------------------------------
RECOMMENDATION/S-------------------------------------------------------------
BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES------------------------------------------------
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ABSTRACT
In the past few years, the use of plastic in farming industries has had a
significant effect on society, especially in their crops. Additionally, plastic waste
is starting to increase day by day because of their uses. The society has a great
impact when it comes to the use of non-biodegradable materials. An example of
this is the use of black plastic specifically in plant crops.
Because of the use of plastic waste in their crops, polluted parts of our
land are starting to widen; that is also the main cause of air and water pollution.
Scientists and professionals are starting to conduct alternative solutions like the
5 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, and repair), but this is not enough.
Including these practices, people are still having a problem with proper waste
management. The researcher is starting to conduct and study an alternative
solution where it can lessen or avoid the use of plastic waste for the better.
The GlyRiV bioplastic fertilizer is a bioplastic that you can use as a pot or a
container that can hold a particular amount of soil in a specific time line. After
time, the farmer may dig a whole and plant the soil and the bioplastic fertilizer
without removing the plant. As time goes by, the bioplastic is starting to decay,
causing it to be a fertilizer. This bioplastic is made of 10 ml of glycerin, 10 ml of
vinegar, and 20 grams of rice bran. The studies show that glycerin and rice bran
can be alternative bioplastics, while vinegar makes the bioplastic fertilizer
stronger. GlyRiV fertilizer can be made from stirring, boiling, spreading, and
drying under the sun.
The three trials summarize the different ways of adding different volumes
of glycerine and the advantages of using GlyRiV and commercially base plastic
bags.
In summary, the researchers proved that using GlyRiV bioplastic fertilizer
is more effective than using normal plant bags. The researchers observed that
using GlyRiV fertilizer has combated the increasing number of plastic waste in
agriculture.
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INTRODUCTION
The world, including the Philippines, is currently facing a serious waste
management crisis, with plastic pollution posing significant risks to human health
and contributing to between 400,000 and 1 million deaths annually. According to
Penghui Li et al. (2021), plastic waste is one of the most critical environmental
challenges due to its resistance to decomposition. While incinerating plastic is an
option, it is legally restricted due to the air pollution it causes. Furthermore,
improperly disposed plastic waste clogs streets and drainage systems, leading to
flooding and disease outbreaks. In response, researchers have developed a
sustainable solution: bioplastics that can also function as fertilizers for plants.
This innovative product, called GlyRiV, is composed of rice bran (Oryza sativa L.),
glycerin (a tribasic alcohol), and vinegar (acetic acid).
Winfred Oppong Yeboah et al. (2022) assessed the potential of rice bran in
bioplastic production, highlighting its cellulose content, which enhances the
biodegradability of the product. Cellulose, a structural polymer found in the
fibers of rice bran, improves the mechanical strength and biodegradability of
bioplastics.
M.K. Marichelvam et al. (2021) state that glycerin serves as the plasticizer
in bioplastic production. Increasing the glycerin concentration enhances the
flexibility of the bioplastic (measured as higher elongation at break) but
simultaneously decreases its tensile strength, making it weaker and more
biodegradable in both wet and dry soil environments.
Moerover, Mohamed Samer et al. (2024) suggests that the addition of
vinegar can impact the degradation rate, mechanical properties, and microbial
activity on the bioplastic’s surface.
In summary, the combination of rice bran, glycerin, vinegar, and water
creates a bioplastic that serves as a sustainable alternative to conventional
plastic. This biodegradable mixture not only breaks down quickly but also
transforms into nutrient-rich plant fertilizer. This strategy addresses the issue of
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plastic waste while positively influencing agricultural practices, paving the way
for future developments in more environmentally friendly packaging techniques.
METHODOLOGY
Preparation of Sample Materials
To synthesize GlyRiV bioplastic fertilizer, the first step involved gathering
all essential materials. These included 20 grams of rice bran (Oryza sativa L.), 10
milliliters of glycerin, 10 milliliters of vinegar, and 50 milliliters of distilled water.
Accurate measurements were taken to ensure consistency and effectiveness in
the bioplastic production process.
Preparation of GlyRiV Bioplastic Fertilizer
In a 250-milliliter beaker, the rice bran was combined with 50 milliliters of
distilled water. This mixture was then heated on a hot plate for 15 to 20 minutes.
After heating, the mixture was strained through a fine sieve to separate the solid
pulp from the liquid extract. The pulp was returned to the beaker, and an
additional 50 milliliters of distilled water was added. The mixture was stirred
thoroughly with a glass rod to achieve a uniform consistency. Following this, 10
milliliters of glycerin and 10 milliliters of vinegar were added, and the mixture
was stirred continuously to ensure full incorporation of the ingredients. The
beaker was then heated again to a temperature range of 70 to 80 degrees
Celsius, with constant stirring for 10 to 15 minutes until a gel-like consistency
was reached. Once the desired thickness was achieved, the gel was poured onto
a non-stick surface or into a mold and spread evenly using a spatula. The
bioplastic was left to air dry for 24 to 48 hours until it hardened completely in a
well-ventilated area.
Preparation for Testing
Once the bioplastic had dried and hardened completely, the sample was
prepared for testing. The bioplastic was stored in a dry environment to preserve
its condition. All testing materials and instruments required to assess its physical
properties were also prepared to ensure a smooth testing process.
Testing of GlyRiV Bioplastic Fertilizer
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The testing phase involved evaluating the GlyRiV bioplastic's properties
such as flexibility, durability, and biodegradability. The bioplastic was also tested
for its effectiveness as a fertilizer and compared with conventional plastic . The
comparison focused on its environmental impact, biodegradability, and potential
to enhance plant growth, ensuring it met the intended purpose of sustainable
bioplastic fertilizer development.
RESULTS
The tables below summarize the data collected during the testing of
GlyRiV bioplastic fertilizer in relation to the study's objectives. Specifically, the
parameters tested included the maximum soil-holding capacity of the GlyRiV
bioplastic fertilizer without degradation, the decomposition rate of the bioplastic
under different environmental conditions, and the effectiveness of various
molding methods for producing the bags. Additionally, comparisons were made
between the performance of GlyRiV bags and conventional plastic bags in terms
of plant growth, providing valuable insights into their potential as a sustainable
alternative in agriculture.
Table 1: Soil-Holding Capacity of GlyRiV Bioplastic Fertilizer Bags
Trials Glycerin Rice Bran Vinegar Distilled Max Soil Observation
(ml) (g) (ml) Water Held (g) (Structural
Integrity)
1 10 20 10 50ml 50 Slight tearing
at the edges
2 20 20 10 100 100 Good integrity
with minimal
warping
3 30 20 10 100 150 Stable
structure, no
visible
damage
Table 1. Soil-holding capacity of GlyRiV bioplastic fertilizer bags with different
glycerin concentrations. The results show that as the glycerin content increases,
the structural integrity of the bioplastic improves. In the first trial, with only 10
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ml of glycerin, the bioplastic bag could hold 50 grams of soil but showed slight
tearing at the edges. By increasing the glycerin to 20 ml and 30 ml in Trials 2
and 3, the soil-holding capacity improved to 100 grams and 150grams,
respectively, with minimal warping and no visible damage. This demonstrates
that glycerin enhances the bioplastic's flexibility and durability.
Table 2: Decomposition Rate Under Different Environmental Conditions
Trials Glycerin Humidity Temperatur Decompositio Observatio
(ml) (%) e (°C) n Time (days) n
1 10 40 25 10 Moderate
decay
2 20 60 30 7 Faster
decay
3 30 80 35 4 Quickest
decay
Table 2. Decomposition rate of GlyRiV bioplastic fertilizer under varying
environmental conditions. The decomposition rate varied significantly depending
on environmental conditions. Higher humidity and temperature accelerated the
breakdown of the bioplastic. Trial 3, conducted under 80% humidity and 35°C,
showed the fastest decomposition, with the GlyRiV bioplastic completely
breaking down in 4 days. This suggests that the material is highly biodegradable
and effective in warmer, more humid climates. Trial 1 took longer to decompose
(10 days) due to lower humidity and temperature, indicating slower breakdown
in cooler, drier conditions.
Table 3: Comparison of Molding Methods for GlyRiV Bioplastic
Method Thickness Flexibility Durability Appearance
(mm) (Rating 1-5) (Rating 1-5)
Pouring into 1.5 3 4 Smooth
Mold surface
Spreading on 1.2 5 3 Slightly
Non-Stick uneven
Surface
Rolling with 2.0 4 5 Uniform
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Glass Rod texture
Table 3. Comparison of Molding Methods for GlyRiV Bioplastic. The most effective
molding method for creating GlyRiV bioplastic bags was found to be rolling with a
glass rod, which resulted in a 2 mm thick material with high durability and
moderate flexibility. This method produced a uniform texture and held its shape
better when soil was added. Spreading on a non-stick surface produced the
thinnest and most flexible bioplastic, making it ideal for applications requiring
more malleable material. However, this method sacrificed durability. Pouring into
a mold resulted in a smooth surface but had less flexibility, making it more prone
to minor cracks under stress.
Table 4: Comparison of GlyRiV Bioplastic Bags and Traditional Plastic Bags
Fertilizer Plant Plant Amount Moisture Amount Amount
Type Type Height of in Soil of of Water
(cm) Sunlight (%) Darkness (ml)
(lx)
GlyRiV Plant A 2.5 600 22% Same 200
Fertilizer (Chili) shaded
room
Commercia Plant B 1.2 600 22% Same 200
l Fertilizer (Chili) shaded
room
Table 4. Comparison of GlyRiV Bioplastic Bags and Traditional Plastic Bags. From
the table, it is evident that chili pepper plants grown using GlyRiV fertilizer (Plant
A) showed better growth, with a height of 2.5 cm, compared to those grown with
commercially based fertilizer (Plant B), which reached only 1.2 cm. Both plants
received the same environmental conditions, including sunlight (600 lx), soil
moisture (22%), amount of darkness, and water (200 ml). These results indicate
that the GlyRiV fertilizer had a more positive effect on plant growth under the
given conditions.
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DISCUSSION
The results of this study demonstrate significant advantages of GlyRiV
bioplastic fertilizer bags compared to traditional plastic bags in terms of soil-
holding capacity, decomposition rate, and overall effectiveness as a sustainable
agricultural alternative.
In Table 1, the soil-holding capacity of GlyRiV bioplastic bags increases
with the addition of glycerin. The first trial, with 10 ml of glycerin, revealed a
maximum soil capacity of 50 grams but exhibited slight tearing, indicating that
the initial formulation lacked sufficient flexibility. However, as glycerin content
increased to 20 ml and 30 ml in subsequent trials, the soil capacity rose to 100
grams and 150 grams, respectively, without significant structural damage. This
improvement highlights the role of glycerin as a plasticizer, enhancing the
bioplastic's flexibility and durability, making it more effective for holding soil in
agricultural applications.
Table 2 illustrates that the decomposition rate is influenced by
environmental factors such as humidity and temperature. The data indicate that
higher humidity and temperature significantly accelerate the breakdown of the
GlyRiV bioplastic. Trial 3, conducted at 80% humidity and 35°C, demonstrated
the fastest decomposition at just 4 days, underscoring the material's high
biodegradability in warmer, humid conditions. In contrast, Trial 1, under lower
humidity and temperature conditions, took 10 days to decompose, illustrating
that cooler, drier environments slow the breakdown process. These findings
suggest that GlyRiV bioplastic is well-suited for regions with high humidity and
temperature, making it a viable alternative to conventional plastic bags.
Additionally, Table 3 evaluates the effectiveness of different molding
methods for producing GlyRiV bioplastic bags. The results reveal that rolling with
a glass rod yields the most durable bioplastic with moderate flexibility, making it
suitable for practical applications. This method produced a uniform texture that
maintained its shape under stress. Conversely, spreading on a non-stick surface
resulted in the thinnest and most flexible bioplastic but sacrificed durability,
which is essential for soil retention. Pouring into a mold produced a smooth
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surface but lacked the necessary flexibility, making it more prone to damage.
The choice of molding method thus impacts the bioplastic's functional properties,
which should be considered based on the intended agricultural application.
Table 4 highlights the comparison between GlyRiV bioplastic bags and
traditional plastic bags in terms of their impact on chili pepper plant growth. The
plants grown using GlyRiV fertilizer (Plant A) reached a height of 2.5 cm,
outperforming those grown with commercially based fertilizer (Plant B), which
only grew to 1.2 cm. Since both plants were kept under identical environmental
conditions 600 lx of sunlight, 22% soil moisture, the same amount of darkness,
and 200 ml of water,the difference in growth can be attributed to the
effectiveness of GlyRiV fertilizer. This suggests that GlyRiV not only supports
better plant growth but also functions as a more beneficial agricultural input
compared to traditional fertilizers.
Overall, the study demonstrates that GlyRiV bioplastic bags offer several
advantages over traditional plastic options, including enhanced soil-holding
capacity, rapid decomposition in favorable conditions, and improved plant
growth outcomes. The findings support the potential of GlyRiV bioplastic as a
sustainable alternative in agriculture, with implications for reducing plastic waste
while promoting healthy plant development. Future research should focus on
further optimizing the formulation and production methods to enhance the
bioplastic's properties and expand its applications in various agricultural settings.
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CONCLUSION
1.The researchers found that GlyRiV bioplastic fertilizer bags can hold
significantly more soil than traditional plastic bags. By increasing the amount of
glycerin, they improved the bags' ability to retain soil, allowing them to hold up
to 150 grams without damage. This shows that GlyRiV is a better option for
farming needs that require effective soil containment.
2.The study revealed that GlyRiV breaks down quickly in warm and humid
conditions, fully decomposing in just four days. This rapid biodegradability makes
GlyRiV a more environmentally friendly alternative to regular plastics, helping to
reduce plastic waste in agriculture.
3.The researchers tested different ways to make GlyRiV bioplastic and found that
using a glass rod for rolling produced the best results in terms of strength and
flexibility. This shows how important the production method is for ensuring
GlyRiV works effectively in farming.
4. Based on the researchers' findings, chili pepper plants grown in GlyRiV bags
exhibited better growth, reaching a height of 2.5 cm, as opposed to 1.2 cm in
plants grown in traditional plastic bags, despite identical environmental
conditions. This enhanced growth suggests that GlyRiV bioplastic bags not only
hold soil more effectively but also promote healthier, more vigorous plant
development.
RECOMMENDATION/S
Based on the findings, it is recommended that farmers adopt GlyRiV
bioplastic fertilizer bags as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic, due to
their superior soil retention, enhanced plant growth, and rapid biodegradability.
Scaling up production and conducting further research on optimizing the
formulation and production methods will ensure broader agricultural benefits.
Additionally, large-scale field testing across different crops and environments is
needed to confirm its effectiveness under diverse conditions. Finally, awareness
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and educational initiatives should be promoted to encourage adoption and
highlight GlyRiV's environmental and agricultural advantages.
Bibliography
Penghui, L., et al. (2021). Characteristics of plastic pollution in the environment.
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology.
Winfred Oppong Yeboah, et al. (2022). Circular bioeconomy potential of rice husk
as a bioplastic resource: Techno-environmental assessment.
M.K. Marichelvam, et al. (2021). Extraction and development of starch-based
bioplastics from Prosopis juliflora: Eco-friendly and sustainability aspects.
Mohamed Samer, et al. (2024). Bioplastic production from agricultural crop
residues.
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